It is critical to remember that “A” and “B”, who are pulling on the two respective covers, must always be pulling at least a foot ahead of “C” who is installing the wire insert. This will allow a little give in the covers so that there will not be damage.

With more experience “B” and “C” can be done by one person.

It is also important to remember the wrist technique for installing the wire insert. Do not slide the wire straight back and forth. This causes abrasions on the cover.

As you move back and forth, apply pressure with the thumb on the next parallel spot of the wire insert.
Use a needle nose pliers to get the last tip into the channel.
The next wire insert does not have to be overlapped.

For more details and to watch an illustration, please see our YouTube Video below

Here at Multi Shelter Solutions, we do our best to provide flexibility in choices, quality of service and excellent value for the money. Due to some significant increases we have received on the galvanized tubular steel that our hoops are manufactured from, we have needed to raise our prices, effective immediately. The prices that you will see on the current application web pages are the correct and up to date ones.

We have also updated the sample prices for replacing the roof covers to the website as well so that you will be able to anticipate those costs down the road. These are only meant as examples, and as always you’re free to give us a call for your specific project.

Finally, it is with a sense of amazement and gratitude that we see how many people are using our website as their primary research tool for figuring out their next building purchase. There has been over 150,000 views now in approximately 28 months. Your feedback is appreciated!

Thank you for your patience and loyalty. We appreciate the opportunity to work with you on your next shelter project!

This post covers another one of our most frequently asked questions, and we hope the description and video can help clarify this issue a bit more. Thanks for your feedback!

The beauty of wirelock is its ability to hold multiple layers of covers, even covers in different directions (i.e. roof and ends or 2 long lengths). Before starting you must at least have the cover tacked at the opposite end. This will give you resistance for pulling the cover tight. Our wirelock channel will hold up to 3 layers of 6 mil plastic securely. Two layers of 12 mil tarp will not be held securely in the wirelock channel. This is why we recommend that the top of the end wall tarp be sandwiched between the channel and the hoop.

If you have never installed these covers before, it is recommended to use at least 3 people. After the bottom of the end cover has been secured, pull the end cover over the hoop first. Person “A” will hold it from the inside of the structure in such a way that there are no wrinkles. The roof cover can now go over the channel as well. Person “B” will pull on the roof cover while person “C” installs the stainless spring steel wire inserts. “C” will start from the peak and work down. It is critical to remember that “A” and “B”, who are pulling on the two respective covers, must always be pulling at least a foot ahead of “C” who is installing the wire insert. This will allow a little give in the covers so that there will not be damage. With more experience “B” and “C” can be done by one person.

It is also important to remember the wrist technique for installing the wire insert. Do not slide the wire straight back and forth. This causes abrasions on the cover. As you move back and forth, apply pressure with the thumb on the next parallel spot of the wire insert. Use a needle nose pliers to get the last tip into the channel. The next wire insert does not have to be overlapped.

For more details and to watch an illustration, please see our YouTube Video below

Everyone wants to save money but they also want value for the dollars invested. One of the things that sets MSS apart is with the cover choices we offer.

The two main areas of covers we offer are the 12mil woven tarps and the 6mil plastic. (Other options available, call to confirm) Both of these choices are by no means the heaviest that are out there, but they do provide excellent life span for the investment.

When you consider the cost per year on our 12mil white tarps, which have an 8-10 year expected lifespan, they stack up very favourably to the 20-24mil covers that are available. The main reason 12mil is even an option for us to use is that our hoops or ribs are much closer together and therefore provide much more support to the cover.

Using 6mil plastic gives even more options. Going clear (greenhouse) allows the necessary light transmission for plant growth. Going white (livestock) allows light while still providing a shade factor. The option of a double layer with air between, provides even more benefits for heat loss and condensation reduction and added stiffness in extremely windy locations. The biggest attraction for the 6mil plastic is the life span you get for the investment.

We have previously covered the idea that while considering your structure choices you will have to weigh cost versus benefit or return. There is no area which this is more true then with cover choices. The wide range of cover choices include glass, polycarbonate, polyethylene and woven products. Within each of these products there is an equally great variety of choices. Along with each of these choices there is a huge variation in cost and function or performance.

At Multi Shelter Solutions we manufacture a wide range of shapes and sizes of predominantly plastic and tarp covered buildings. Because these buildings and shelters are narrower and have a reduced hoop spacing, we can use a lighter cover of the options available. The easiest way to get a comparative cost is to take the replacement cover cost divided by the years of expected life span to get an annual cover cost.

Our 6 mil plastic covers can be used as a single layer or double with air between for a 30% reduction in heat loss and to minimize condensation. These covers have a 4 year warranty against deterioration by the sun. Plastic is available in clear (greenhouses) and white (livestock shelters) and comes in various thicknesses. The average life span is 5 – 6 years for single layer and 6 – 8 years for double although 10 years is not uncommon.

Our 12mil white woven covers have a much greater tear resistance then plastic. This makes a good alternative when there will be some contact between product and cover. By providing shade, the white tarp is cooler in the summer. By still letting light in, it is warmer in the winter. Typical life span is 10 year. We offer a green tarp as well but due to the heat it absorbs, the life span is typically 3 years less then white.

You can see more info on these choices on our covering page or with the presentation video and the rest of the series Norm spoke on Greenhouses 101 here. Stay tuned for the end of January 2016 when he presents Greenhouses 202! As always, we are happy to help you with any of your questions regarding planning or options as you are considering your structure purchase.

Please note: As of today, we have updated pricing on all the application pages to be current with the market trends.

Please use these prices as a guide only and call for your custom quote for up to date pricing. The market pricing is unstable at the moment and we may need to make some adjustments.

If you have previously downloaded our brochures, please have another look for more accurate information and pricing. There are new brochures as well as price blocks. We look forward to helping you with your next shelter solution!